WESTERN Bulldogs forward Josh Hill says he was shocked to be named an emergency for round two and has revealed his spot in the team will be a week-by-week proposition.

Hill was put on standby for skipper Brad Johnson last Wednesday, after initially being dropped for the Richmond clash.

But when Johnson was battling a virus during the week - not to mention an accidental knock to the achilles courtesy of a drinks cart - Hill knew he was likely to play consecutive matches

"The feeling I was an emergency was a bit of a shock, but I took it on the chin, so I was happy to get a game today," Hill said.

"I've got a few things to improve on during the week, so hopefully I'll get another run next week."

Hill - who played 23 of his 44 AFL matches last year - responded to the axing with some good form, kicking three goals in his side's 72-point win.

"It was good to get involved early in the game and get a goal on the board, so that gave me a bit of confidence to get a bit of a touch and win more of the ball," Hill told afl.com.au.

Hill's aerial work - as evidenced with some fine efforts against the Tigers - has always been impressive but he conceded his tackling and body work were areas to concentrate on.

"I am quite strong with my marking and that's been a big improvement and I've put a lot of work in with the coaches over that," he said.

"The forwards' coach (Paul Williams) keeps telling me to back myself and when the chance is there to jump, I do."

Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade was pleased with Hill's work, although he said the 21-year-old must continue to hone certain areas.

"There's still some parts of his game he's got to work on, Josh, and he knows that, but overall he [played well]," Eade said in his post-match media conference.